Elgin Park is a lot of things: a 1950’s utopia, a fantastical world, and an optical illusion. Artist Michael Paul Smith’s imaginative town – composed entirely of miniatures – delighted audiences worldwide when his photo series went viral. For the first time, the documentary Elgin Park dives into the life of this charming, reclusive artist to reveal the dark inspiration behind his work.

UPDATE: ELGIN PARK BOOK REVEAL

Michael Paul Smith’s Elgin Park is a lot of things: a mid-century utopia, a fantastical world, and an optical illusion. The imaginative town – composed entirely of miniatures – delights audiences worldwide, attracting to date more than 76 million views on Flickr.

At first glance, Michael’s work appears to be wonderful photographs from a bygone era. The awe slips in as it becomes clear that he not only created the photographs – without using Photoshop – but also built everything in each scene except the cars, which are 1/24th-scale diecast models from his extensive collection.

“I don’t have to travel far,” he said. “Any time I find a parking lot with a block-long view, there’s a site.” -said Michael (NYTimes)-

Michael constructs much of what is barely visible in the photos: shoeboxes, furniture, stage lights, a lawnmower, and machines in the laundromat. A close inspection of each photograph takes your breath away: even the gravel, snow, and tire tracks are to scale.

Many of the photographs were taken outdoors against natural backgrounds in the artist’s neighborhood – but the models, scenarios, stories, and humor are pure talent and imagination.